7 Things Only Moms Who Are Pregnant for the Second (or Third or Fourth) Time Understand

Every pregnancy is special, but real talk here: When you’re pregnant for the second (or third or fourth) time, it’s a wildly different experience than it was your first time around. The obviousness of “being tired from taking care of your older kids” aside, there are things that occur during a subsequent pregnancy that first time moms wouldn’t dream of.

Here are seven things only women who are pregnant for the second (or third or fourth… ) time get. It isn’t that this pregnancy is any less magical, it’s just…different.

1. You literally forget that you’re pregnant. With a first pregnancy, there’s nary a minute that goes by that you’re not reminded of the fact that you’re going to have a baby. Whether it’s the weird side effects you’re experiencing for the first time in your life or the loving “how are you feeling?!” texts you’re constantly getting from friends and family, pregnancy is a 24:7 affair. But with your second or third, who has time for that? Life goes on. Toddlers need stories read to them now and friends and relatives aren’t thinking of you all the time because you’ve already been there, done that. You’re fiiiiine, right?

2. Literally everyone else also forgets that you're pregnant. On the same token, just as fewer people are asking you how you’re faring, it’s like your bump has magically disappeared from everyone’s eyes. Are you looking for a ticker tape parade for carrying another baby? Of course not! But remember how the first time around, people gave your gift cards for prenatal massages and brought you casseroles and offered to rub your feet (ahem)? Yeah, that was fun.

3. You find yourself wondering if you took your prenatal vitamin. Some days you may take zero prenatal vitamins, others you may take three. Who knows when you’re pregnant and already have kids?!

4. You don't think twice about having a little coffee. While you may have been (understandably) reluctant to enjoy a morning cuppa with your first pregnancy, it’s doubtful you’ve got that same mentality with your second. In fact, the two cups (200 mg) the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has given the okay on is pretty much gospel to you. Pass the Starbucks, please.

5. Worry? Who, you? Just as you’re not worried about having a little coffee here and there, you’re also not sweating skipping that vitamin-packed smoothie you had each morning when you were carrying your first. Or getting enough sleep. Or the stress you’re under (which, let’s be honest, is way more common when you already have kids). You’re fairly confident you’re baby is going to be A-OK. Or you’re just, you know, too busy to worry about anything.

6. You don't spend any and all free time reading baby books, Googling pregnancy-related things, or asking 234 questions at each prenatal appointment. Sure, you’ll have questions and concerns no matter what pregnancy you’re on, but the chances of you sneaking some time to log onto your favorite lifestyle blog are much higher than you using precious free moments to Google “Is crushed red pepper okay when pregnant?” Fact.

7. You don't pack a hospital bag until your water breaks. First time around, you’re packed and ready to go a solid month before your due date. And the contents of your bag? Oh, you know, a cute matching robe and pajama set; maybe some candles; a hairdryer. Any pregnancies after that? You basically grab a toothbrush on your way out the door. And hey, you survive.

Written by Nicole Fabian-Weber

Nicole Fabian-Weber lives outside New York City with her husband and three children. Her work has appeared on dozens of websites, including Parents, Livestrong, Romper, Shape, Redbook and Cosmopolitan. She loves yoga, travel, summer — and apparently clichés.